How a hormone receptor affects muscle scarring and repair
Functions of skeletal muscle mineralocorticoid receptor signaling in chronic and acute injury
This work looks at whether blocking the mineralocorticoid receptor can change scarring and healing in injured muscles and in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174503 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are studying how the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in muscle and nearby cells controls fibrosis (scarring) and wound repair after acute injury and in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The team uses mouse models with genetic removal of MR in specific cell types, treats animals with MR-blocking drugs, and studies isolated muscle fibroblasts to see how they respond to aldosterone and MR antagonists. They compare how MR signaling in muscle fibers, immune/myeloid cells, and fibroblasts affects the amount and timing of scar tissue and functional recovery. Their goal is to tease apart beneficial versus harmful MR actions so future therapies can reduce damaging fibrosis without harming normal healing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Duchenne muscular dystrophy or who have significant muscle injury-related fibrosis would be the most relevant patient groups for future clinical applications of these findings.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to skeletal muscle fibrosis or whose disease does not involve MR-driven pathways are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide safer, more targeted use of MR-blocking drugs to reduce muscle fibrosis and preserve movement and breathing in people with muscular dystrophy or severe muscle injury.
How similar studies have performed: MR antagonists have proven anti-fibrotic effects in heart failure and improve muscle pathology in some mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but the specific role of skeletal muscle fibroblasts is largely untested and novel.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rafael-Fortney, Jill a — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Rafael-Fortney, Jill a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.